Tao Dan Park, District 1: A Refreshing Retreat in the Heart of Saigon
More than just a green oasis, Tao Dan Park is steeped in history and offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. As a beloved spot for Saigon locals, this park holds many hidden gems.
Often referred to as the "green lung" of Saigon, Tao Dan Park provides a serene atmosphere where visitors can unwind and recharge. If you're exploring Saigon, be sure to include Tao Dan Park in your itinerary for a delightful and memorable experience.
Location
Enjoyably located in the heart of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, the park is bordered by Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Nguyen Du, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Cach Mang Thang Tam, and Truong Dinh streets.
- Area: Spanning approximately 9 hectares.
- Opening Hours: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Admission Fee: Free entry on most days, with potential fees for special events.
- Amenities: Featuring a safe parking area, over 1000 trees, and a refreshing ambiance. The park offers recreational spaces, entertainment options, and food vendors. It's also a popular spot for hosting exhibitions and fairs.
History of Tao Dan Park – The Bờ-Rô Garden
Those who have lived in Saigon are undoubtedly familiar with Tao Dan Park, also known as Bờ-Rô Garden. The name "BỜ-RÔ" is derived from the Vietnamese pronunciation of the French car brand PEUGEOT (pronounced PỜ JÔ) because the first cars used by high-ranking French officials to replace horse-drawn carriages were PEUGEOT models. Notably, at the corner of TABERD and VERDUN streets, there was a garage for horse-drawn carriages and a stable for horses that pulled these carriages (even in the 1970s, when the garage was no longer in use, I saw that place turned into a horse racing stable). PEUGEOT was the first French company to manufacture automobiles in 1891. In fact, the name Bờ-Rô was more widely known than the name Tao Dan Park in the past. Its history dates back hundreds of years, beginning when the French first arrived in Saigon in 1859/1860 and began building the city.
In the 18th century, this garden was initially named "Vườn Ông Thượng" (Mr. Thượng's Garden). This Mr. Thượng was Lê Văn Duyệt, the Left General of Gia Định Province, also known as Thượng công Lê Văn Duyệt.( For more information, please check this geocache: Remnants Of The Past 2 (Ville de Saigon) - GCB0FD6). He established a landscaped garden here for his enjoyment and to watch cải lương performances. After Lê Văn Duyệt's death, the garden fell into ruin. When the French arrived, they rebuilt the garden concurrently with the construction of the Governor's Palace and integrated it into the palace complex.
In 1869, the French constructed Miss Clavell Street, formerly known as Poulo Condor Street, separating the garden from the palace. The garden's area was then 90,503 square meters. The remaining three sides were bordered by Chasseloup-Laubat Street to the north, Verdun Street to the west, and Taberd Street to the south. The garden was officially named Jardin de la Ville or Parc Maurice Long, but the Vietnamese people commonly referred to it as Vườn Ông Thượng or Vườn Bờ rô. This is likely a transliteration of the French word "préau," meaning "paved courtyard," although some sources suggest that "Bờ rô" is a corruption of "beaux jeux" from "jardin des beaux jeux" (garden of elegant games). The garden was entrusted to Mr. Moreau, the first French caretaker of the place.
Subsequently, the city constructed additional facilities within the park for the Société philharmonique (Philharmonic Society) in 1896, the Freemasons in 1897, and the Cercle Sportif Saigonnais (Saigon Sports Club) in 1902, which included a football field, swimming pool, and tennis court. The football field at that time was the only one that met the standards to host international matches.
In 1926, at the corner of Chasseloup-Laubat and Verdun streets, the government built the Institut de puériculture (Institute of Childcare) for child education. From 1954, after the French completely withdrew, the Governor's Palace became the Presidential Palace, and the garden was renamed Tao Dan Garden. The four surrounding streets were also renamed Huyền Trân Công Chúa, Hồng Thập Tự, Lê Văn Duyệt, and Nguyễn Du. The Institute of Childcare was used as the Ministry of Health during the Republic of Vietnam era and by the Red Cross Society.
In the 1970s, Tao Dan Park served as the 'lungs' of Saigon City. During the Republic of Vietnam era, it was used to organize exhibitions. It was also at this very place in the early 1970s that President Nguyen Van Thieu delivered a speech during the launch of a military school program.
Additionally, Tao Dan Park was a gathering place for various associations such as the Vietnamese Scouts, Military Scouts, and youth groups every Saturday and Sunday. One of the most memorable events held here was the Đồng Tâm Fair, organized by the South Vietnamese government and the general public to raise funds for the construction of a People's Hospital.
Perfect for picnics and gatherings
Nestled in the heart of bustling Saigon, Tao Dan Park offers a serene escape. Its beautiful landscape makes it a popular spot for picnics and gatherings. The park's fresh air and green spaces provide the ideal setting for relaxing with friends. Nearby restaurants offer a variety of dining options, enhancing your experience. Early mornings and late afternoons are the busiest times at Tao Dan Park. The cool breeze and lively atmosphere make it a great place to unwind and exercise. Special events and festivals, like the Tao Dan Flower Festival, attract large crowds throughout the year.
Honoring the Hung Kings at Tao Dan Park
In 1992, a serene temple dedicated to the revered Hung Kings, the legendary founders of Vietnam, was established within the tranquil setting of Tao Dan Park. The temple's architecture reflects the traditional Vietnamese style, inviting visitors to pay their respects and immerse themselves in the nation's rich history.
Exploring the Ancient Tombs
Nestled under the lush green trees within Tao Dan Park is a cluster of ancient tombs. Legend has it that the tombs were built in 1895 and are the final resting place of Mr. Lâm Tam Lang and Mrs. Mai Thị Xã. The attraction of these ancient tombs lies in their architectural style, featuring enclosed screen walls, headstones, and footstones.
The two tombs consist of architectural elements such as a screen wall in front of the tomb gate, a screen wall behind the tomb gate, and a surrounding wall system. The seclusion of the entire tomb complex creates a unique allure for visitors as they pass by this ancient structure.
Tao Dan Spring Flower Festival
During every New Year, the colorful and stunning spring flower festival is held in Tao Dan Park. On this occasion, various unique and eye-catching works of art made from flowers are displayed for visitors to admire and take astonishing pictures. The delicate, colorful and stunning flowers, the creativity of the masterpieces plus the bustling and happy atmosphere of the holiday create such charming scenery in Tao Dan Park, gaining great attention from the public.